The need to know and understand the healthy levels of cholesterol arises because it has a dominant and prominent role to play in the maintenance of your proper health. The cholesterol is a part of blood flow, and yet it has an independent status. It does not mix with the blood. It is capable of controlling the blood flow.
The defined levels of cholesterol, in terms of medical science, are: Desirable level, Tolerable (border line high risk cases) level and High risk levels. Well, here is the defined classification of these levels.
Desirable Level Of Cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL
Borderline High Risk Level Of Cholesterol: 200 to 239 mg/dL
High risk Level Of Cholesterol: 240 mg/dL and more
Now let’s have a close look at each of these cholesterol levels one by one.
When your cholesterol is at the desirable level you don't have much to worry about heart diseases. But, don't think that you have the free license to eat what you want. You need to be still cautious about your food habits. The level can change any time. And once it changes, the fear element will enter your frame of mind. So, continue to eat low saturated fat foods, plenty of fruits of vegetables and make exercise a part of your daily schedule. It is also desirable to have cholesterol levels measured once in a year. Take this as the thumb rule, if you are a man of over 45 and a woman of over the age of 55.
If you find yourself in the borderline high risk level of cholesterol, you need to be vigilant. Mostly 30 to 40% of the cholesterol affected people fall under this group. You need to take immediate steps to bring down this line level of cholesterol to the desired level. It is not that you have the heart risk straightaway at this stage. Nevertheless, proper medical examination and the proper analysis of the results obtained by your physician are necessary at this stage. Don't make your own calculations. Take the expert advice. Continue with the diet control and the excellent exercise schedule, without fault.
As for the third category of high risk zone, it does not require any elaboration and further explanation. You are in the “war-zone.” Any miscalculation or misadventure could be fatal. The chances of stroke are high and real. Your physician may ask you to undergo several tests to decide whether you have any other complications, apart from high cholesterol level.
When you are a cholesterol candidate in the second and third category, apart from what medications your physician gives you, total life style changes are necessary. Medicines by themselves will not give you a permanent cure, unless you adopt some healthy lifestyle changes.
Written By: Ashish Jain
